issue with contract that nanny does not want to sign

[Anonymous]

We just had an issue that our nanny who we would like to hire on books. She does not want to sign the contract with the signature certified at the public notary. We are puzzled, but she says it is a "question of trust"? In her logic, if we do not trust her with her signature without certification, we cannot trust her otherwise. We on the other hand thought that it is more respectable to have her sign this way than to "police" her on our own by asking copies of her IDs, residence, etc, which is her private matter. She is now bailing out. Should we let her go, or are we asking too much? We liked her as nanny, but are not sure anymore.

[Anonymous]

If you're paying "on the books," you need to have an I9 form anyway, which requires you to see her documents verifying her citizenship. You need her social security information to pay taxes, and it is on you as the employer to verify that she is legal to work.

You are not required to, but would be remiss not to, in my opinion, also run a background check on her verifying her identity and checking her criminal records (if any). I also run a driving record if driving is required.

So, I think you're both being a little nuts here, but so be it.

[Anonymous]

Never had to use a notary to sign my contracts. Its really not that serious and I would think you're going to be a handful and probably walk away too.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! It is good to have someone else's perspective before freaking out.

So, do we in your opinion just simply "sign" the contact in our kitchen, and let the discussion move to the phase of I9 to reach the same goal?

[Anonymous]

MB here. I have never bothered with a notarized signature on a contract. However, I also have citizenship verification, drivers license and insurance card, etc... before hiring. You need those things for payroll, and I require proof of license, registration, and insurance in good standing in the contract.

I would be extremely suspect at this reaction from a potential nanny. If she is unwilling or unable to provide appropriate documents I would walk away.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! In my mind, the contract with a certified signature was the first step to have the ID issue, papers, etc, cleared. But I can see how this may sound exaggerated.
I think I will move straight to I9 etc, and if things do not work out in that phase, not sign the contract at all. I'll keep an open mind.

[Anonymous]

I would see this as a serious sign that you are high-maintenance. I would move on to my second choice family.

[Anonymous]

Did you and your husband get your signatures notarized?

[Anonymous]

Yes, of course we would all sign. That was the idea: we all notarize and we drive there together!

[Anonymous]

Have you checked if she's legal?

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of it being notarized - what does that accomplish? The contract will be an at-will one either way, so not sure what you gain with the notarization. You'll need to see her documents for tax purposes anyway.

[Anonymous]

I would love to work for a family who offered to have to contract notarized! However, I provide a background check/driving record search (although I'm also open to the family contracting to have one run for themselves), and I provide proof of citizenship and ability to work at the same time that we sign.

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

OK - now I get it.

In sum, nobody does signature notarization of the contract.
At the same, EVERYBODY verifies identity at the time of I9, etc.

So either way it needs to be done.

It seems like on our part, we prematurely made it sound too legal.
On her part, she either does not know her identity needs to be verified at some point, or does not have her papers ok, or has a better family to default to.

Let's find out!

Thank you all (nannies and parents) for sharing your perspective! This was v. helpful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you and your husband get your signatures notarized?

. Oh of chorus you need one of those that's require !!

[Anonymous]

Good luck OP.

If she purports to be experienced she should be quite accustomed to having to provide proof of citizenship (or legal working status), as well as drivers license, etc...

I would proceed with caution.